USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service launched a process that could lead to an industry-funded promotion, research and information program for producers of natural grass sod products.
If producers approve the checkoff program in a referendum, it will be overseen by an 11-member board that could assess producers one-tenth of one cent per square foot or the equivalent of natural grass sod products. The rule published in the Federal Register on Tuesday would exempt producers of an organic product certified under the USDA National Organic Program.
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The referendum will be conducted Jan. 13 through Feb. 11. AMS said it would provide more details outlining the process and next steps before the voting begins.
AMS currently provides oversight to 22 commodity promotion and research boards.
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